Discovering Gems in America’s Parks
Did you know that purchasing an annual America the Beautiful Pass gives you unlimited access to over 2000 federal recreational areas? Not only does this include all 63 national parks, but also historic military sites, wildlife refuges and more. The cost is $80 per year and allows two users or a carload. Check out the details at the USGS website.
Is it Too Late to Plan Your Winter Holiday Vacation?
If you want to get away for the winter holiday break and especially with a family group, now is the time to get your plans in place. Fewer Americans are traveling out of the country this winter which means hotels, resorts and lodges in the US (including Hawaii) are filling up quickly. With cruising resuming out of Florida and the Caribbean soon, demand is high for these very sought-after vacations. Need ideas? Call us to begin planning your winter getaway!
Travel in Today’s Uncertainty
With destinations opening up to tourism, you may be asking “what happens if there is another disruption to travel due to Covid?” In light of recent uncertainty, many cruise lines and tour operators have responded with very flexible cancellation policies never seen before in the industry. Even domestic airlines have continued to allow free changes in order to regain consumer confidence in travel. These unprecedented benefits make your travel decisions easier and give you the “peace of mind” to resume travel
What Covid-19 Requirements are there for International Travel?
What about my travel credits?
Need to find the status of your passport?
Ideas for Saving Money in Travel
- Oceania Cruises – Past guests save 10% on a variety of 2022 cruises AND enjoy free airfare, shore excursions, beverage package and Shipboard Credit!
- AmaWaterways – Complimentary pre & post-cruise hotel stays on certain European itineraries!
- Viking River Cruises – Reduced international airfare!
- Victory Cruise Lines – Up to $3000 off per cabin for their new ship sailing Alaska!
- Travel Impressions – $200 Instant Discount for Air & Hotel packages to Mexico, Caribbean, Central America & Hawaii!
- Sceptre Vacations – Valentine’s Savings of $150 off any Custom Itinerary to one of their many destinations!
- CIE Tours – Companion Flies Free to any of their scheduled Ireland itineraries!
- Ponant Cruises – Save up to 30% on an Arctic expedition!
- Silversea Cruises – Up to 20% Savings for 2021!
Where can I travel?
- Central America (all) – Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Honduras, Belize, Panama, Guatemala, Nicaragua
- Tahiti
- Europe – Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia, Herzegovina
- Mexico
- Asia – Cambodia, Bangladesh
- Mid-East – Turkey, Dubai
- South America – Ecuador, Brazil, Peru, Columbia
- Caribbean – Anguilla, Antigua, Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Bonaire, Curacao, Grenada, Jamaica, St Barts, St Kitts, Nevis, St Lucia, St Maarten, St Vincent, Grenadines, Turks & Caicos
- Africa – Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Namibia, South Africa, Ethiopia, Senegal, Ghana
Forgot ID When You Arrive at the Airport?
Few things are more stressful than arriving at the airport and realizing you left your ID at home. If you are flying internationally, you will need your passport for sure. If flying within the US, however, TSA is more lenient if you forget your normal government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license. Think about what other proof of identity you may have with you such as military ID, Global Entry card, Social Security card, student ID, work-related ID badge, etc. Are you carrying travel documents (itinerary, confirmations) showing the same name as on your flight tickets? Having an electronic copy of your passport or driver’s license may help as well. The decision is ultimately up to the TSA officer being convinced you are the same person as on your tickets but it is worth pursuing – just ask my niece who successfully boarded and flew from Eugene to Reno!
Are Airlines Really Eliminating Change Fees?
As you know, Southwest Airlines has never charged dreaded change fees but all other domestic airlines have for quite some time. This all changed in early September when United announced they are eliminating change fees for all domestic flights (except for Basic Economy tickets) AND to Mexico and the Caribbean. Other large carriers – American, Delta, Alaska and Hawaiian Air have followed suit with some slight policy differences. This coupled with low fares and greatly improved onboard cleanliness procedures makes for an ideal time to reserve your next vacation!